Bittercon: classics and crap

[sartorias]

starshipcat explores the har-dee-har-har "Let's type up a classic, put another name on, and see if this crap would sell/how ignorant those editors are"--and the notion of classics in science fiction, here.

This brings up such a good question: just what is a classic? (Other than the "classic means the works of Ancient Greece and Rome

Comments

[khiemtran]

For me, the definition of a classic would be something that preserves and transmits some aspect of the art, usually in its highest form. A perfect example, if you like.

[sartorias]

What is a perfect book? Is there one? Maybe I should ask, is there a perfect book in anyone's individual view?

[khiemtran]

No, not a perfect book, but a perfect (or near perfect example) of some aspect of one. Something that could be used to teach or reconstruct that aspect of the art.

[sartorias]

I see! That opens up a whole new prospect of faboo discussion...though for me not right now, as that blasted headache has turned into a skull-thrumming flue, argh, argh.

[lynn_maudlin]

interesting discussion of "classic" and now you throw in "perfect" - oh my!

"Perfect" has to be subjective and personal, I think; and for me I'd ask more questions - "perfect" in what way? A book so compelling I can't put it down? Most days that would be a problem. I even have a class of books which are bedtime reading; these often need to be re-read books because the first time through a good book may well keep up all night... I'm sure you relate!

[sartorias]

Yep, exactly right.

[starshipcat]

That resonates with some of the discussions johncwright has had about what makes a Great Book and why science fiction has yet to produce a Great Book -- or whether it even can.